Taylor Farms has recalled some lettuce products after federal authorities linked them to widespread cyclosporiasis outbreaks, although the investigation into the exact cause of the parasitic disease is still ongoing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially announced that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms had tested positive for Cyclospora, but later said the result was a false positive.
According to the FDA, as of July 19, no samples tested positive for Cyclospora during this outbreak. The agency said it will continue to work with Taylor Farms to investigate the source and test samples.
Taylor Farms announced a large-scale voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce products on July 17 “out of an abundance of caution” as FDA investigation continues to show a link to the outbreak.
Some of the lettuce was sold through Taco Bell stores in five states, the FDA said.
More than 30 states have seen a surge in cyclosporiasis cases in recent weeks. People with this disease usually have “explosive” diarrhea or other severe gastrointestinal illness. Here we take a look at all the products that have been lifted so far related to the outbreak.
Which Taylor Farms lettuces have been recalled? See a list of products sold at Walmart
On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to possible contamination with Cyclospora.
Affected products include lettuce served at food services such as Taco Bell restaurants, as well as some bagged lettuce products sold under the Marketside brand at Walmart. Walmart products are the only items sold at the affected retailers.
“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority,” Walmart said in a July 18 statement.
The following items are affected:
According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in the following states:
- Alabama
- arkansas
- florida
- georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- kentucky
- louisiana
- missouri
- mississippi
- oklahoma
- tennessee
- texas
- virginia
- west virginia
Products can be identified by a “use by” date between July 18th and August 3rd.
If you own an affected product, please discard it or return it for a refund.
Where else did the recalled Taylor Farms lettuce go? See list
With the exception of retail products sold at Walmart, the remaining recalled Taylor Farms lettuce products were sent to various food service distributors.
Both the FDA notice and the Taylor Farms recall notice list the brands of the vendors involved in the recall only as abbreviations.
In addition to Taco Bell and Walmart, Cisco confirmed on July 17 that it was one of the affected distributors and had removed lettuce, Reuters reported.
US Foods also confirmed to USA TODAY that its Cross Valley Farms brand is part of the recall. The company announced that it began notifying customers of the recall starting July 17th.
USA TODAY reached out to Taylor Farms and various produce distributors to get more information about which brands are involved.
See full list:
What is cyclosporiasis? Symptoms, treatment
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora caetanensis.
The agency said the disease is usually not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics, but symptoms can be prolonged in people with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of cysticercosis include diarrhea, cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
According to the CDC, some people who are infected may not develop symptoms, but symptoms can last for more than a month.
Contributor: Mike Snyder
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
